Phil Donahue, Legendary Talk Show Host Fired by MSNBC for Airing Antiwar Views, Dies at 88

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The pioneering TV host Phil Donahue, who revolutionized daytime television by tackling major social and political issues in front of a studio audience, has died at the age of 88. The Phil Donahue Show_, later renamed _Donahue_, ran from the 1960s through to 1996, and the affable host won 20 Emmy Awards and received a Peabody Award throughout his career. In 2003, Donahue was fired from his primetime MSNBC talk show for airing antiwar voices during the run-up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq, when most of the corporate media was cheerleading the Bush administration's drive for war. Donahue spoke with _Democracy Now! about his firing in 2013, describing it as a decision "from far above" in the network. "They were terrified of the antiwar voice," he said. Donahue is survived by his wife Marlo Thomas, his four children and his grandchildren.
Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour that airs on over 1,500 TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch our livestream at democracynow.org Mondays to Fridays 8-9 a.m. ET.
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[@renzo6490]

He was right about our actions in Iraq…we should have listened!

[@arcanondrum6543]

His honesty and the guests he invited was what got him fired. Corporate media is ironically, often an enemy of the 1st Amendment.

[@FredPena-rd5cf]

But if a Democrat had stsrted the war he would have bent the knee. He was a liberal and a communist

[@kradius2169]

Kudos to Democracy Now for including this clip of Phil. You redeemed yourself Phil for any sins by objecting openly to the obvious wrong on every level Iraq War. 2:10 ... Phil is talking to us, folks. Naming names. Richard "New Perle Harbor" was THE Neocon don point man (carrying the water for Fritz Kraemer & Henry Kissinger) organizing 9/11 from his perch on the Defense Policy Board and through Bill Kristol's PNAC -- Papa Kristol, Irving, the Godfather of Neoconservatism, gave us Peter Thiel, who has given us JD Vance -- 9/11 of course the pretext for the subsequent wars right up to today. Iran next, right? Of course you would never see it on any show if he had ever done it, but I feel like Phil would have loved to have given Ed Asner a nod and looked right into the camera at the end of this interview with his trademark mild mannered avuncular understated exasperation expression and mic-dropped: "WTC7" Requiescat in pace, Phil.

[@NancySanders-om4ic]

​@@arcanondrum6543 GREED is their driving concern.

[@brianm7278]

​@@GarretGrayCameramost people in USA went along with it. Most should have known better.

[@pageek3487]

He deserved many apologies, about the Iraq war but suspect he got none or very few. RIP sir.

[@paulkersey7458]

I apologize for hating Phil Donahue regarding his views on the Iraq war. He was right and I was wrong. RIP Mr Donahue.

[@MA-sk4fg]

@@paulkersey7458it’s never too late to acknowledge the truth.

[@tjvirginia1319]

@@paulkersey7458your response makes me teary 🥲 imagine if we could all feel those feelings and say those words ❤️‍🩹 the world would be a much better place 🌍

[@paulkersey7458]

@@tjvirginia1319 There is liberation in admitting when you are wrong. We let our pride get in the way of that. Notice how no one in government or the media ever admits wrong doing anymore?

[@oliveoil2022]

Born and raise in Dayton, Ohio. So proud of Mr. Donahue, thank you for being a voice of anti-war, of peace and progressive ideas.

[@selah71]

Me, too! I remember as a kid watching his show when it first aired in Dayton. I couldn't believe we were going to war, (again), in 2003 nor how most Americans seemingly supported it. ✌️🇺🇲✌️

[@evelync177]

Thank you Phil Donahue for your fearless journalistic integrity. Well done.

[@ba_charles]

he was 1980s jerry springer, wtf is wrong with you?

[@evelync177]

@@ba_charles I wouldn't know, in the 80's I was getting an education and never wasted my time or brains watching the Jerry Springer show. I had the intelligence to watch quality programs. So, wtf is wrong with you?

[@johnellharris1366]

Not just an excellent talk show host, but also a rare human being ,I believe he moved this country forward with his insight and great humanity.

[@dahnoied6893]

Phil was a true progressive and I really think he had a big impact on moving our society forward. I watched him for years in the 80's. Good man.

[@growthandunderstanding]

RIP Mr. Donahue, you were always at the vanguard of the progressive perspective! You remain a hero of truth and justice! Condolences to Mrs. Thomas!

[@LR2894h]

Ms. Thomas

[@brad3706]

Going to sound odd but, I was that kid, who ran home to catch Donahue, just about every afternoon. This was during the Reagan administration. Between Donahue and an exceptional 8th grade civics teacher, a life long interest of politics and social conscience began. RIP Donahue and Mrs Arnold.

[@joeyjo-joshabadu9636]

Also pioneered trash TV

[@tanyalake9152]

​@@joeyjo-joshabadu9636 - Like "The Jerry Springer Show".

[@tanyalake9152]

"But this *dismal outcome* has *long been* in *the making* on *many fronts.* Over numerous decades a grand experiment engaging in social engineering with America’s youth has been steadily working to homogenize a lowest common denominator product of sub par mediocrity, creating generations of young Americans who can neither read nor write, nor think for themselves in any critical manner. According to a study last year by the US Department of Education, 19% of US high school graduates cannot read, 21% of adults read below 5th grade level and that these alarming rates have not changed in the last ten years." - *ARTICLE* - *"The Dumbing Down of America - By Design".*

[@jakevendrotti1496]

This is a real loss for journalism. He was a good man. Spent many a happy afternoon watching his show. RIP Mr. Donahue, thank you for your courage and professional integrity.

[@Desaved]

I started watching his show at age 7 and was rivetted by the topics and the opinions! I thought his guests were always treated with class and seriousness. Donahue's charisma made that show more important than news! If any one man changed the direction of America with a TV show, his name is Phil Donahue! THANK YOU, for you, Phil! We needed your light!

[@julieproctor6039]

His other name at our house is Don Philoque.😅

[@paulaellis6281]

RIP Phil, you were honest which made you a rare gem in corporate media.

[@pacotoyful]

RIP Donahue! I remember watching him with my grandparents! Great journalist and he stood on business!

[@kooale]

For the youngsters listening: Phil was the sh--, the absolute S. What made him so great? His openness to all people, his embrace of his audience, his curiosity, his ever inquiring nature, his extreme good humor and kindness. We’re blessed to have watched him come up with us. And he championed Ralph Nader for the presidency. God bless Marlo & family. THANK YOU Phil!

[@gracieb.3054]

I'm with you except for Nader. He is credited for taking away enough votes we ended up with George W. Bush, who was the warmonger behind the wars Donohue protested.

[@kiki19822]

He was a decent & good man. My sympathy to Marlo and his children. RIP Phil.

[@katsong3302]

rest, dance, enjoy your full Beingness… 💫

[@zyxw2024]

I didn't know him personally, but I was at an event that he attended some 18 years ago. Phil Donahue did so much good, his time here made this world a far better place for everyone. 😊

[@michelepenirian7638]

So sad! He was a great truth teller! So sad for Marlo Thomas ! 😰

[@cynthialangley7338]

Phil was a ground breaking pioneer. Much respect and condolences to his family.

[@Katie96077]

RIP Phil Donahue 🥲

[@houdiniwho]

RIP Phil Donahue. You were the very best talk show host. No one can live up to your legacy.

[@judykinsman3258]

He was such a hero for truth & social justice. He was my hero.

[@lisablanton6842]

Grateful for Donahue's integrity & his thought-provoking program. He was in a league of his own. Will miss him.

[@buckeyewill2166]

Cleveland born, Cleveland bred….had the guts to say no to a war that was unpopular and unnecessary.

[@YonieZukowsky51]

Phil was a special guy and had a lot of great shows. He was a gentleman and had people on with a wide variety of opinions. We have less of this today and that is sad.

[@amyschneidhorst1384]

My condolences to his family. I learned so much from his approach to interacting with a broad range of people, always open minded and with respect. May his memory be a blessing.

[@joannegrilli755]

Condolences for the passing of Phil Donahue. He was a great, pioneering talk show host and I gained much by following his program. I follow your program pretty much for the same reasons, that is, for a reliable, truthful look at what is happening in the world, in particular, war torn Palestine. Thank you, for all you do, Amy, Juan and DN team. Continue your indispensable journalism. Thank you for remembering, Mr. Donahue. ❤ from 🇨🇦.

[@BuddhatheRockstar]

When Journalism and integrity on TV mattered. Thank you Phil for enlightening US❤.

[@independent-ts6ys]

Aw.. I watched him. His shows taught me so much. He was a fellow Activist. Rest in Power, Phil. And ❤ to his wife Marlo Thomas 🙏.

[@stone1andonly]

We will miss you, Phil, and it was a crime how MSNBC threw you away at a time you were sorely needed.

[@warrenpaine]

MSDNC is Fake News.

[@Woosaidthat]

My mother watched Donahue daily, religiously and always appreciated his view. Hearing his voice and watching his show are among my first TV memories. And his being married to Marlow Thomas is proof that he is a man of utmost compassion and character. May he rest in peace.

[@purpleness64]

A long life may he rest in peace

[@enthusiast1]

Thank you Phil Donahue! ❤🎙✨️👏 ...always a pleasure, insightful to hear him interview or be interviewed, speak on issues. 🕯🙏

[@mamatrain100]

As an anti war American at the same time, I know this pressure even in our workplace we could lose our jobs for expressing anti war sentiment.

[@hindculhane470]

I was a guest on Phil’s show as anti Iraq protester a week before he was fired . He was a gentle and principled man and a risk taker . His courage for taking a stand against the U S invasion of Iraq was rare among the war monger journalists and talk show hosts at the time. Condolences to his family.

[@nancymesek]

Aww, I grew up watching his show. Loved that man!

[@robertsegovia4663]

Met Mr. Donahue during his Chicago time at the WGN studios. My girlfriend later wife was an intern while she attended the Mundelein college for girls back in the 70's. He was courteous and as I held out my hand to shake his he politely took mine and I could feel the sincere nature of this man. He was courageous for an Anglo and will always be thought of as a pioneer for social change.

[@pamelas.3023]

GONE TOO SOON FROM LIFE AND YOUR TALK SHOW, PHIL DONAHUE. R.I.P. ❤️✨🙏 YOU have been MISSED since 09-13-96, your Last Phil Donahue Show. ❤❤❤❤ Love and Peace 🕊️❤🕊️ to You, Your Family, and wife Marlo. (Another Beloved Icon) 🪙✨🙏❤️ I will Treasure all of the Fond Memories of Watching you 📺 with My Mother, (deceased in 2007 💕✨🙏), who was a HUGE Fan of Yours too. THANK YOU. 🙏 GOD BLESS. ✝️✨❤️

[@asifshah5534]

Phil Donahue played his positive role in the media history. My condolences to his loved ones!

[@kevincesarsozeparas9404]

R.I.P. Mr. Donahue Sir . Thank You for All the Memories .

[@BrooklynLuv-Vibes]

My Deepest Condolences to the family. 🙏🏼🕊💔

[@MA-sk4fg]

Why was he a sh….?

[@kimber8568]

Unbelievable man, so progressive. Condolences to Marlo and family

[@dennismorris7573]

Simply, a legend - Phil Donahue.

[@kelvinparsons2555]

RIP this was a great show I grew up watching, I learned this about myself and others. He took time to talk to people and to listen. RIP Mr Donahue.

[@mdj-ie7rj]

How did I not know this. Terribly sad and disturbing. RIP Mr. Donahue-my condolences to Marlo/That Girl ❤😢

[@nailboy7370]

He had the most educational show on television. I learned so much from watching that show that it's kinda hard to calculate the value. I don't know where to start! All I know is he opened a lot of minds, changed a lot of lives, and brought a lot of heart and soul into this world. We totally needed Phil Donahue during that time. God has perfect timing 😊 🙏 🙏 RIP

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

Mr Donahue was a great guy who brought difficult subject matter to the family room... things we needed to talk about. Condolences to Marlo, his children, and grandkids. Rest in peace, Phil. ❤

[@Will_Moffett]

Donahue is the example we can always point to in order to demonstrate that claims about big business following the market demand are false. Donahue was was number 1 and big business went directly against consumer demand and fired him in order to manipulate political thinking. Had Donahue not had the fortitude to go against the wishes of his management in getting antiwar voices on national television, we would not have this iconic example. People like Donahue don't grow on trees. You won't find another host on corporate networks who will challenge management like Donahue did. It's a powerful legacy he leaves.

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

Thanks Amy and Juan❤I got to meet Phil in Wisco ‘Bob fest” not long after his firing. he was very present and so full of hearts 💜

[@kellycurry1177]

Grew up in the Chi listening to and watching this gentleman...great journalist and role model in getting truth...out RIP Mr. D ❤

[@eddiesanders3041]

I hated it when he lost his spot to Oprah.

[@ayejay8862]

Loved his show. Loved him. Was encouraged by his courage. RIP Phil Donahue.

[@DM06847]

Thank You for the Memories Phil.

[@Missunderstood103]

I love Phil and Marlo. Two truly beautiful people. What a light they are.

[@hassanshayegannik155]

A man of conscience and an exemplary journalist of knowledge and integrity. We miss him dearly. Thanks!

[@johnclement9370]

88 is a long life, Phil Donahue had a long productive life with purpose, he brought provocative topics into our homes and living rooms, he opened and challenged people's minds, i think he helped change things for the better with his tall show and journalism. He still looked great into his old age, still had a full head of hair, and his intellect and humor was sharp, I guess it was just his time. Watched him all through the 70s, 80s, and 90s, great television with Donahue. :-) ❤

[@lfrost6718]

What a wonderful man and patriot. Many thanks for all he did and especially speaking out against the war. You will be missed. Much love and condolences to the whole family.

[@djmidas7]

Trail blazer. Grew up watching the Phil Donahue show.

[@2023_justice4all]

riP dear Phil. We will remember you with love. History will remember you for being on the right side of history and humanity.❤❤ Our love to his family.

[@derrickholmes2024]

Phil Donahue Rest in peace ✌️

[@selah71]

Mr. Donahue! How sad. He was always a class act and I was against going to war, too. Now you are in true peace and surrounded by loved ones and the Creators' unconditional love. ✨💛✨

[@annakonda6727]

RIP, Mr Donahue. You will be remembered much more kindly by history than any of the war hawk will be.

[@zoo-xibbitjayne2081]

They banned the radios nationwide from airing "blowing in the wind" and any other anti war music after the 9/11 debacle; was no surprise.

[@letsomethingshine]

Rich neocons are hypocritical they love “free-speech for me, but not so much free for thee”

[@brianm7278]

Who did?

[@RainMan68]

@@brianm7278 Clear Channel (now known as iHeartCommunications, Inc.) They circulated a list amongst their radio stations in the wake of the 9/11 attacks that "suggested" that they not play certain songs.

[@warrenpaine]

They ignored the huge anti-War demonstrations as if they weren't happening.

[@zoo-xibbitjayne2081]

@@warrenpaine @brianm7278 I think that's a big part of the point. "They" the global corporate entity has realized that giving any issue air time but they're own programed narrative is counter productive. Print is dead.

[@Jeffrey.Blazer.4.20]

Phil Donahue was, is and will always be a real life hero to me and many others who were, are, and will always be against the insanity, cruelty, injustice and inhumanity of war.

[@bmepdoc9675]

Phil was outstanding. His epic takedown of Bill O'Reilly was a masterclass on how to debate one with opposing viewpoints. You were always worthy of my time, Mr. Donhue. R.I.P.

[@someoneelse.2252]

He was highly respected by Canadians. RIP.

[@margotconway8605]

RIP Mr. Donahue. You were well ahead of your time - a great progressive mind. You were of the honest media not a lot of corporate media BS. i always watched your show and learned a lot from your guests and yourself. Condolences to your family and friends. You will be missed

[@kindface]

May Mr Donahue's soul rest in peace. He was a good man.

[@alanaf2087]

I watched Phil Donahue whenever I could. Such a good man.

[@nancytai1550]

Good reason not to view propaganda msnbc any more! Donahue was an honest, ethical, moral, knowledgeable & caring person we respect! Condolences to the family!

[@eleanormartinez8274]

This was HONEST coverage of Mr. Donahue's passing that NBC refused to do.

[@yurielcundangan9090]

Who else love phil

[@BushyHairedStranger]

Thank you Phil for speaking up and speaking loud! RIP

[@SoberOKMoments]

He is remembered for being on the right side of history. All Due Respect - Legend.

[@satann9743]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE AIRWAYS PHIL!!!

[@tanciemette2551]

I watched him as a kid, 73 now. Not many like him today.

[@Maria-db1lq]

I remember watching him as a teenager and I always loved the discussions.

[@riadanabtawi5880]

Today's talk shows hosts are no match for Donahue show . He was smart, brilliant, and brave.

[@pennylane8318]

One of the best talk shows on, didn't always agree with his views. I also saw his show when he first had Marlo on, how nice that they had a video when they first met, you could see the sparks fly. Condolences to Marlo Thomas and the Donahue family.

[@yurielcundangan9090]

Who loves Phil!

[@debbiemetke5938]

I remember that firing. I was so disappointed because I felt exactly as he did about those wars.

[@roslynr9767]

One of the Best show on the network!!

[@MrDayna39]

My favorite talk show host, RIP.

[@jenwendy7]

Rip Phil Donahue best show on TV when I was a kid I learned so much from him ❤

[@judythompson8227]

gonna miss him. He was fearless, funny, and real.

[@108grog]

Thank you for that review of Phil. I didn't know all that. I'm even more grateful for him now.

[@cgmahony]

Lovely tribute. Well done 👏🎬

[@ericfaith2810]

R I P. Phil. 🎙️ One of the best and bravest. He started quite a trend of outspoken and brave dissenters.

[@wateracumen-vs1bx]

Love to Donahue!

[@feralLove]

RIP Phil Donahue and heartfelt condolances to his wife, Marlo Thomas, his family and friends. 💓

[@tiffhtx019]

My favorite Donahue guests were always the club kids ❤

[@mandynam7581]

We should all aspire to speak the truth publicly like him.

[@renzo6490]

The military/ industrial / Congressional/ media complex….all out for profits!

[@End_Zionism]

Oh I loved watching archived episodes of his 90’s tv show!! Fantastic program!!! Nothing like it on tv since. May God have mercy on him

[@ShowemRight]

RIP Phil Donahue .. I remember when I was young just anxiously waiting for the Phil Donahue show to come on because you never know what to expect on his show and he would usually bring you the shock and awe. Then came Geraldo Rivera which was like a Donahue copy and paste remake, but Donahue drought the goods during his reign🙂🙏🏾

[@Sharilyn-je1lu]

Thank you Phil Donahue

[@rajo741]

As with so many millions of others, he was a seminal influence on me and contributed to my intellectual curiosity. I like to think that because of him and my father, I became a decent human being.

[@monichat]

My sister was in the hospital, dying of cancer in March 2023. On her death bed she listened to the radio and heard that GW was getting ready to invade Iraq. The day before she died, I went to see her, she asked me with tears in her eyes if US would begin war in Iraq. I lied to her and said NO, I think it's only propaganda. My niece called 19 March 2023, my sister had just died. I went to see her, she was at last resting. On my way back from the hospital I heard on the car radio that bombing of Iraq had just started. I was so happy that my sister didn't live to hear that. No WMD were ever found in Iraq, President Sadam Hussein was hanged. As Tim Walz would say = ''Mind your own damn business'' US had no business in Iraq. Peace and Love ☮☮☮☮☮ John LENNON WAS RIGHT - I ADMIRE PHIL DONAHUE MORE THAN EVER, I DIDN'T KNOW HE HAD BEEN FIRED FOR HIS POLITICAL STANCE. RIP Mr Donahue = a great man ♥

[@Cabernet2000]

His interviews with Milton Friedman is top of mind in America today.

[@user-xe5cn3lm4p]

I am so sorry to hear of his passing

[@bethwilton8075]

Thank you Amy& company. ❤

[@Indigo-bunting858]

Great report! Thanks

[@lauramcdowell8438]

I loved and learned so much from Phil Donahue and his wife Marlo Thomas!! He paved the way for so many who came after him!